- Recommended
Lancaster City Museum
City museum in the old town hall with archaeology, local history, and decorative arts. A strong introduction to Lancaster’s past.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$12
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$12
Fastest journey on Sep 14
35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
35 m
Buses on Sep 14
1
Distance
34 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Preston to Lancaster is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Preston to Lancaster will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 1 buses from Preston to Lancaster, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 34 km distance in an average of 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 35 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
NX181
NX181Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Lancaster among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, while a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 21 miles (34 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $13 Average price |
1h 5m Average total duration 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 45m Average total duration Fastest 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Preston to Lancaster:
A bus is $0.51 (€0.41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Preston to Lancaster costing on average $13 (€10).
Other travel options to Lancaster take longer:
Bus takes on average 35m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 0h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 08:46AM | Arrival Time 09:36AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Lancaster buses for tomorrow, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX181 | 2:25 AM Preston, Bus Station | 0h35 | 3:00 AM Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Preston to Lancaster run on average 1 times per day, taking around 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 21 miles (34 km) distance in 35m.
Distance 21 miles (34 km) |
Average bus duration 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Lancaster — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lancaster trip today.
City museum in the old town hall with archaeology, local history, and decorative arts. A strong introduction to Lancaster’s past.
Maritime museum in the old customs house exploring Lancaster’s port history, trade, and seafaring links across Morecambe Bay and beyond.
Period house museum with Gillow furniture, fine interiors, and stories of law and domestic life. One of Lancaster’s best heritage visits.
Hilltop park with woodland walks, city views, and the Ashton Memorial. A favorite green space that combines scenery, heritage, and easy strolling.
Elegant Georgian street with some of Lancaster’s finest architecture. Ideal for appreciating the city’s prosperous 18th-century streetscape.
Tree-lined civic square framed by impressive public buildings and monuments. A central open space often used for events and seasonal displays.
Buttery shortbread-style biscuits linked to nearby market town Garstang. A classic Lancashire teatime treat with a crumbly texture and local heritage.
A robust hotpot of lamb or mutton with onions, often topped with sliced potatoes. It is one of Lancashire’s best-known traditional comfort dishes.
Crumbly white cow’s milk cheese traditionally made in Lancashire. It is prized for its fresh, tangy taste and long-standing regional cheesemaking history.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting. One of Lancaster’s standout fine dining destinations.
Long-established canal-side pub and restaurant known for cask ales, British classics and a traditional atmosphere in a historic setting.
Stylish bistro serving French-inspired and modern European dishes. Popular for polished cooking and a relaxed city-centre atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday meals stay fairly reasonable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Lancaster Bus Station -> Lancaster Railway Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston to Lancaster by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Lancaster, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Preston to Lancaster buses use the Preston, Bus Station to Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) station pair. Use this guide to compare Preston and Lancaster bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Preston, Bus Station is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafes and fast food are available within the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station concourse. ATMs are multiple ATMs are located in the main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Preston, Bus Station.
Available at Preston, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston, Bus Station: Full accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) is 2 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several cafes and eateries around the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street). ATMs are available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street).
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street).
Available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster, Bus Station (Damside Street): Wheelchair-accessible platform and pathways.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need